Welcome to Scandinavian Specialties
At Scandinavian Specialties, we celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Scandinavia, nestled in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Our journey began with a passion for authentic Nordic flavors, offering a diverse selection of grocery items, including traditional soups, sauces, and an array of exquisite fish products. From unique vegetable offerings like Rdkal to our popular Swedish candies, we invite you to experience the essence of Scandinavian cuisine. Our welcoming café serves homemade delights, such as the best cake in the world and savory smørbrød. Every visit promises a taste of nostalgia and the warmth of our culture, making it a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike.
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6719 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117 Hotline: (206) 784-7020
Welcome to Scandinavian Specialties, a delightful haven nestled in the heart of Seattle's Ballard neighborhood at 6719 15th Ave NW. This charming international grocery store not only offers a treasure trove of Scandinavian ingredients but also promises a culinary journey through the flavors of the North. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Nordic cuisine or simply an adventurous eater looking to expand your palate, Scandinavian Specialties is a must-visit destination.
As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the warm, inviting atmosphere that embodies Scandinavian hospitality. The store boasts a diverse selection of products, from Lofoten Fiskesaus (fish sauce) and Risengrt (rice porridge) to tempting Fruktsuppe (fruit soup mix) and a variety of gravy mixes. The presence of perishable delights like Atlantic Salt Herring fillets and Lutefisk further emphasizes the authenticity of the offerings here.
- Soups, Sauces, and Mixes: Explore an array of flavors, including Troll Chili and Viking Hot Sauce.
- Fish & Seafoods: Indulge in traditional items like Fish Cakes and Fish Pudding, crafted with the finest local ingredients.
- Vegetable Products: Discover unique items such as Danu cucumbers and tangy Sauerkraut.
One of the standout features of Scandinavian Specialties is its cozy café, where you can enjoy delectable pastries such as the Verdens Beste Kake (Best Cake in the World) or traditional Vafler (waffles) served with creamy toppings. Customers rave about the quality and authenticity of the dishes, including savory selections like Smørbrød (open-faced sandwiches) and rich Gul Erte Suppe (yellow pea soup). The aromatic coffee served alongside these treats completes the authentic experience of indulging in Scandinavian culinary delights.
Positive feedback pours in from satisfied customers who appreciate the extensive selection, friendly staff, and genuine atmosphere. Stefania A. and Kayla P. shared their love for the vast array of products, especially the unique sodas and Swedish candies, while others fondly recall their childhood memories attached to various Scandinavian treats. Many visitors also emphasize the importance of shopping local and supporting a community gem like Scandinavian Specialties.
Whether you're looking to recreate classic Scandinavian recipes at home or simply indulge in a few sweet treats, Scandinavian Specialties is your go-to destination in Seattle. With ample parking and a commitment to quality, you may find yourself returning time and again to discover more of Scandinavia's exceptional flavors. Come, nourish your body and soul, and take home a piece of the North.
My partner and I went to this place today for the first time. We loved it so much. They have a huge variety of products Sodas are so yummy . We also ordered the best cake In the world (that's the name of the cake) LOl And the fish cakes . Omg delicious! We are definitely coming back. The lady works there is a sweetheart
If you're Norse, you know. If you would like to be, you need to start your training here.
Come today first time here. Ordered coffee,very good coffee. I want buy some sweets,but Ingredients is terrible,and overpriced,I think if you pay 10 dollars for gummy Ingredients need be very good candy,because I live 4 stars. Atmosphere is cool. Friendly staff.
I was disappointed that the store didn't carry cups for glögg, but found some other great buys. Finn Crisp (memories of my mom), Swedish Fish (to the delight of our granddaughters, and some lovely cookbooks.
I was traveling and saw online that this store carried some cheese I wanted. I decided to take a slight detour on my way to the airport and I wasn't disappointed. Yes, I did get the cheese I wanted as well as some licorice. As I was checking out I spotted some krumkakke cookies. I had to buy 2. Had I known this was available I had a few cousins who had flown in and I know they would have wanted to stop by. After I paid, I spotted a sign that said they had split pea with lamb soup. And it was yellow split peas. Same taste as green but not as thick and pasty. A cup was served with hardtack cracker and butter and was only $4.00. A great treat any day and especially in a cloudy cook day. My only suggestion would be to put a sign outside advertising home made Norwegian cookies and hot home made soup!
Came here for Swedish candy and we were surprised with how large the candy selection was. All the candy was in bundles of $4-$4.50 so we picked a mix bag, sour skulls and watermelon slices. I was surprised to see they also have a cafe with pastries and tables which was very cute and clean!
Scandinavian specialties has all your Swedish candy needs including BUBS! I always take anyone that has a big sweet tooth to this store! They have their own parking lot so you don't have to worry about Seattle parking. They also have tables and chairs inside and outside. I'd recommend looking in their website to see what candies they have in stock before going. They always have their website up to date. They pre-package most of their candies and they all range from $4-$5 per bag. It's affordable compared to Bon Bons. I highly recommend coming here to satisfy your Swedish candy cravings!
My grandfather on my mothers side, was full bloodied Norwegian. My mother focused on traditional Norwegian cuisine. Norwegian food was on display, especially at Christmas Eve. Swedish meat balls, open faced sandwichs, rula pulsa, lefse, and smoked fish. My mother made us liverwurst, sardine and herring sandwiches at lunch. So have made many stops here, to purchase grocery items, eat at the cafe and buy merchandise. Just shopping here brings back many memories, as there are few relatives left. This store has everything you might want for anything Scandinavian. Bought two lovely sweaters here, direct from Norway. They are high quality and warm. In the cafe, I have ordered the Smørbrød (Open-faced Sandwiches) Salmon: Norwegian lox with egg salad. Shrimp: Atlantic brined shrimp with egg. Karbonade: Beef patty with caramelized onions. All very good and made with fresh bread. I also have ordered their Varm Lunsj (Warm Lunch) Salmon Quiche: Norwegian lox, Jarlsberg, leeks. Gul Erte Suppe (Gluten-Free): Yellow pea soup with salt lamb. Es enjoyed the yellow pea soup. The quiche has a generous amount of salmon and was quite creamy. And Norwegians love to drink coffee and eat pastries. So far I have tried all of these: Verdens Beste Kake: Double layer of almond meringue with vanilla custard cream center. Fyrstekake: Norwegian almond tort. Eplekake: Creamy apple cake. Krumkake med Krem: Conical cookie with your choice of lingonberry or cardamom cream. Waffle: 5 heart shaped waffle pieces with your choice of lingonberry cream, gjetost (goat cheese) or raspberry preserve. Vestlands Lefse: Flour based lefse with butter, cinnamon, and sugar. All of these were fresh and delicious. Especially enjoyed the Fyrstekake tort and the cinnamon lefse. Great place to shop at and eat delicious food. Always leave here with happy memories of my childhood.
We've ordered online a couple times for their Swedish candy. They've shipped out our order within 1-2 days each time. Always been satisfied!
My first time at Scandinavian Specialties did not disappoint! Great selection of Scandinavian goods - from kitchen wares, clothing, perishable and non perishable foods, cafe with baked goods, etc. Although I came to try the viral Swedish candy. They had a great selection that were all very interesting and intriguing. Ample parking which is always a nice surprise in Ballard. Store clerks were extremely friendly and helpful! Will be coming back soon once my stash runs out!